Peniche

Peniche is a fishing town on the Portuguese coast, sitting on a narrow peninsula with rocky shores and sandy beaches. Simple houses line narrow streets that lead toward the harbor, where fishing boats dock near small restaurants and cafes that serve local food.

Peniche was established in the 16th century with a fortress built to defend the coast against pirates and invasions. Over centuries, the fortress served various purposes, including as a political prison in recent history, and now it stands as a museum documenting the town's past.

Fishing has shaped Peniche for generations, and this tradition remains visible in daily life. The local harbor stays busy with boats arriving and departing, while restaurants serve the fresh seafood that fishermen bring in from their daily work.

Peniche is easy to reach from Lisbon by car or bus, with a drive of about an hour and a half on good roads. Once there, the town center is easy to explore on foot, as most beaches and attractions are within walking distance of each other.

One overlooked detail is Cabo Carvoeiro and its lighthouse, which has warned sailors since the late 1700s. This rocky cape offers dramatic views of high cliffs and crashing waves, often filled with the sight of seabirds soaring overhead.